Is it his time?

[gatorador]

CONTAINS SAD MATERIAL. THOSE WITH SENSITIVITIES USE CAUTION BEFORE READING FURTHER.

So my bun is about 10 years old, though I’m not entirely sure as he was a rescue. I took him to the vet three weeks ago because he was limping on his right foot. We have a check up next week, but I called today to see if I can get one earlier. My poor old man has recently started scooting around. He is on pain meds for arthritis, which have helped his pain, but he now flops over to one side when trying to walk around. He doesn’t seem to be in pain, and he lets me touch his hind leg. Nothing is broken, and when I put him on feet centered he stays there. He puts weight on his foot when it is properly placed, the problem seems now to be more in his hip. He just can’t get around well anymore. Sometimes he end up hopping in circles because he can’t get his leg in the right position, to bear weight on it. I don’t know what to do. He is older, and has had a good life. Obviously I am going to take him to the vet this week, but I just want to know everyone’s opinion, because I’m afraid of what they’ll say. His quality of life has deteriorated quickly, but I don’t want to make a rash decision if something can be done. 

[Dface]

Im sorry to hear he’s not doing the best (((((vibes for both of you))))))

To me, quality of life is everything. If it can no longer be what it is it needs to be, then I would think about putting it down.
Obviously, you should discuss this with your vet, while keeping in mind- how long will he have if you do begin a treatment process, how invasive will it be, and will it make his life a lot better, or will it just keep him in the same place.
And finally, why you would do it. Is it because you personally want him to stay around, or because you think his life has a lot more left to it.

It’s a horrible position to be in and I really feel for you! Dont be rushed into the decision though. Even the decision you know to be right can be hard to live with: I had a pygmy hedgehog who had to be put to sleep last year far too young, and it was heartbreaking making the decision, and it still haunts me, but only because I wanted more time with him, I know his life was going to be horrible if we started looking to find a cure and he didnt need that suffering.

[vanessa]

I had a bunny euthenized. I still think of him. I woudl evaluate how your bunny feels. I currently have a bunny recovering from E.Cuniculi, and he is weak in his hind legs, almost totally blind, and totally deaf. He pees everywhere because the message doesnt’ get to his brain that he needs to pee, so he doean’t always go to his litterbox. He has periodic relapses of E.C., and periodic stasis. He hasn’t eaten any hay since June this year. So I supplement hsi diet with hay cookies, and I periodically syringe feed him critical care. But he is happy. As long as he shows enthusiasm, I know he wants to be here. I also have a bird with gout. A symptom of kidney failure. The bird is cripled, lives on the bottom of his cage, and his birdie pal is also in the cage, and snuggles with him. I give him pain meds, and herbal supplements. He is still enthusiastic about his food, and bounces at the cage door when his plate is empty. As long as he shows enthusiasm, I won’t put him down. That’s how I woudl make the choice. Does your bunny still want to be here? That’s how I would look at it.

[jerseygirl]

I just came across a post on this Facebook page which addresses this question in general. I’ve copy/pasted the text so anyone without FB accounts can read also. 

Rabbit FAQ: End-of-Life



It’s a topic many of us don’t like to think about, but eventually we all face-end-of life issues. When it comes to our animal companions, it can be particularly difficult to navigate our emotions and our responsibility to do what’s best for them. 



Age, disability or disease do not necessarily prevent living a satisfying and joyful life. It’s only when quality of life is significantly compromised, when there is suffering or when the joy has gone out of life, that end-of-life questions should be examined. 

The “Three As” are the most important: 
1. Appetite: Does my rabbit still find enjoyment in eating?
2. Affection: Does my rabbit still exchange affection with me or with other companions?
3. Attitude: Is my rabbit still interested? Does she like to watch, sniff and listen to the things going on around her? Mental attitude is important.

If the answers to these questions are positive on more days than not, there is quality of life and continued supportive care is recommended. Re-evaluate the “Three As” regularly to assess how things are going. Address the whole rabbit, not just the disease or symptoms.

As you move through the end-of-life process, here are some other questions on which to reflect.
• Is my strategy fair? 
• Is my strategy kind? 
• Is my rabbit comfortable?
• Can we effectively manage pain?
• Are there side effects from medication, and can those side effects be managed?
• Has my rabbit given up? Is it only momentary, or is she just ready to go? 

Resources:
Quality of Life http://rabbit.org/quality-of-life
Quality of Life http://www.disabledrabbits.com…-life.html 
Elderbuns http://rabbit.org/elderbuns
Palliative Care seminar by Carolynn Harvey, DVM

[jerseygirl]

It’s such an individual thing and is influenced also but what sort of treatment/aides you have available. Sometimes a cart can be fitted to assist mobility, laser or water therapy, reassessment of medications etc. But not everyone has these options available to them – financially, logistically, time-wise. They are also not options for every rabbit, depending on their age, condition, other ailments, stress levels etc.

A vet may suggest euthanasia but a good vet IMO is one who is also open to discussing alternatives and give an honest opinion on those for your specific situation.

My thoughts are with you gatorador. Sending {{{Vibes}}} for Oliver!

[gatorador]

Took him to the vet today, they did more x-rays and found hip dysplasia, and arthritis. They gave me medications and said he should be a little bit more comfortable, but don’t think he will improve much. Since he is still mentally sound, very curious and seemingly happy I will keep going with i’m as long as he is wanting too.Thought I’d share a pic of my little guy. <3

[jerseygirl]

Oh what a gorgeous fellow! Very smart looking with his one brown, one white leg.

What meds did the vet prescribe? Ive heard a combo of both tramadol and metacam is good. I think vets just start them out on one med though and see how they do. I hope it makes a difference for him. And I hope he doesn’t over exert himself if is is feeling too good!

[vanessa]

He is absolutely beautiful. I woudl also try Oxbow Natural Science Joint Support hay tablets. They have glucosamine, turmeric, and yucca. Glucosamine helps joint cartilage, and turmeric and yucca are anti-inflammatories. My boyfriend and myself both take turmeric for our arthritis, and we like it. So I imagine it must be of some relief to bunnies. The directions say 1 per day for rabbits up to 4lbs, and 2 tabslets a day for rabbits over 4lbs. My vet recommended that for the first 4 weeks, double the dose because it takes about a month for the turmeric to work up an amount int he system to have an effect.

[gatorador]

The vets prescribed metacam and something with an F I forget. I had to special order it in the mail. I’ll let you know when I get it. Thank you everyone for your support.

[Author]

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